Amidst questions surrounding Biden’s recent debate performances, many in the Democratic Party are weighing Harris’ viability as their frontline candidate.
Despite her stances during the 2020 campaign, Vice President Kamala Harris has garnered support from some lawmakers and liberal pundits to potentially replace President Biden.
According to Fox News, political strategist Basil Smikle highlighted Harris's essential role in rallying African American voters, a key demographic for the Democratic Party. According to Smikle, overlooking Harris could significantly impact voter engagement amongst African Americans.
Before becoming Vice President, Kamala Harris served as California's attorney general, where her decisions often drew criticism. Lara Bazelon, an attorney and academic, noted that Harris frequently resisted progressive efforts to overhaul criminal justice policies during her time as the state’s attorney general.
Vice President Harris has refuted critiques of her record, asserting that she improved California’s criminal justice system. “I did the work of significantly reforming the criminal justice system of a state of 40 million people, which became a national model for the work that needs to be done,” she claimed.
Highlighted by political opponents like Representative Tulsi Gabbard, Harris' prosecutorial record was a point of contention in her 2020 presidential campaign.
Gabbard criticized Harris for her self-stated pride in her "prosecutor's president" approach, which others viewed negatively due to its implications on criminal justice reform.
During her 2020 presidential campaign, Vice President Harris adopted several positions that sparked controversy, including her support for eliminating private healthcare plans and imposing a ban on fracking. She also endorsed the Green New Deal and proposed tax hikes, which polarized opinion among voters and fellow Democrats.
After a debate performance that left Democratic leaders and voters underwhelmed, President Biden faced increased scrutiny regarding his capacity to continue leading the ticket. Following this, representatives like Representative Summer Lee and former Representative Tim Ryan voiced support for Vice President Harris as the preferable candidate over Biden.
President Joe Biden remains firm in his commitment to run in the upcoming election. In a July 4th address, he reiterated his intention not to withdraw from the race despite growing conversations about a potential shift in candidacy.
As the Democratic National Convention nears, slated for August 19-22 in Chicago, the party faces vital decisions on presenting a united front. Supporters and critics alike are vocal about their positions, making this an intensely scrutinized period for Vice President Harris and the Democratic leadership.
Representative Jim Clyburn issued a strong call to action to support Vice President Kamala Harris. “This party should not, in any way, do anything to work around Ms. Harris. We should do everything we can to bolster her, whether she's in second place or at the podium as our candidate,” Representative Clyburn said, underscoring the importance of backing Harris unequivocally.
As the Democratic National Convention approaches, the conversation around Vice President Kamala Harris taking over the Democratic ticket continues to gain traction. Her legal and political history and the strategic considerations for mobilizing key voter demographics illustrate the complexities facing the Democratic Party in their choice of nominee. Ultimately, the decisions made in the coming weeks could significantly influence the broader political landscape leading into the general election.
